FLORHAM PARK — At first blush, a celebration at a Florham Park hotel today had some odd guests: dogs prowling the halls, a two-legged chihuahua bouncing on its hind legs, and a Shetland pony doling out kisses.

But for this type of bash, the guest list wasn’t strange at all. The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association honored the animals at the Hamilton Park conference center for their induction into the group’s New Jersey Animal Hall of Fame.

Five members were added today to the hall, which is now in its 16th year and includes 83 inspiring and notable animals or organizations from around the state.

The Class of 2011 includes Samson, a pony from Monmouth County that’s known for his kisses; Kanga, the two-legged Chihuahua from Branchburg in Somerset County; and Tilly, a 4-year-old English bulldog from Long Branch that visits sick children. Also inducted were Tabby’s Place, a cageless cat sanctuary in Hunterdon County, and a program with the Cherry Hill-based Greyhound Friends of New Jersey that pairs prison inmates with greyhounds.

Each year, the veterinary association chooses about five animals or organizations that "promote the animal-human bond," association spokeswoman Paola Hernandez said. This year, 45 animals were nominated by pet owners, she said.

As the animals awaited their induction yesterday, they mingled with the nearly 400 people who gathered to celebrate.

Dubbed the "Kissing Pony" by his fans, 11-year-old Samson showed his gratitude by doing what he does best: smooching. He bussed the state veterinary association members who selected him.

"It was very sweet," said Karin Kandur, a Long Branch woman who handles marketing at the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. "It wasn’t slobbery at all."

Samson is recognized for his kisses, but his calm demeanor is what really separates him from other ponies that typically are stubborn and frisky, owner Carol Wingertner said. Samson doesn’t get rattled by people or frenetic environments, a trait that allows the horse to make about 20 visits to schools and nursing homes between May and October of each year.

His tendency to "kiss," Wingertner said, comes naturally.

Samson’s reputation recently exploded via internet videos, which led to national television exposure.

"It’s something you don’t really appreciate until you see him in person and see how everyone reacts," Hernandez said.

Six-year-old Kanga, born without front legs, is Samson’s opposite in demeanor. She’s a tiny go-getter that refuses to roll around in a custom-made wheelchair, owner Mary Rudder said.

The Chihuahua instead walks upright and has a penchant for playing to the crowd.

Like Kanga, Tilly was inducted for her crowd-friendly disposition. However, Hernandez said the dog’s work did more than bring cheer to others; Tilly dispelled misconceptions that all bulldogs were aggressive.

"They are all doing something to strengthen the relationships between humans and animals," she said.